New Mexico Vacation Directory 2022

travelnewmex.com • summer/fall 2022

2022

Family-Owned Albuquerque Eateries page 14

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Five State Regions Offer Diversity of Adventures, Sites NEW MEXICO’S wide, open spaces are ready to welcome you. Whether you are merely seeking a much-needed change of scenery or want a more extensive getaway with a touch of adventure, there has never been a better time to look

to the stunning four regions of picturesque New Mexico.

The state’s natural beauty, rich history, outdoor activities, and culturally-immersive offerings remain available for staycationers and vacationers alike.

Northwestern New Mexico: Rocks, Roads and Bling WHETHER you venture to the Four Corners monument (where you can stand in four states simultaneously), are drawn to the ancient mystery of Chaco Canyon, join in the annual Gallup Intertribal Indian Ceremony (https://gallupceremonial.com/), or cruise historic Route 66, there is much in this part of New Mexico to heighten the senses and stir dormant primal connections.

NORTHWEST

Amid 200-million-year-old cliffs outside Gallup is the Red Rock State Park and Museum, featuring interpretive displays of ancient Anasazi culture alongside modern art from the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni tribes. Consider as you step that you are walking on land once occupied by the ancient Anasazi Indians.

Immerse yourself in antiquity at El Morro National Monument, (south of Interstate 40, west of Ramah on NM 53) where fragments of history and ancient cultures are embedded in the great sandstone promontory. Here, over hundreds of years, Spanish and American travelers rested and carved their signatures, brief messages and the dates they passed through. For operating hours and trail information, call the visitor center at 505.783.4226 ext. 801 for the most up-todate information. The campground is open via reservation on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trading posts and shops throughout Northwestern New Mexico offer a variety of new and old Native American arts and crafts, including painting, pottery, jewelry and carved fetishes.

railway buffs and anyone interested in the history of the Southwest, the town’s historic railway depot is worth a photo op from the outside. The Southwest Indian Foundation operates the Gallup Cultural Center inside the depot. It contains a storyteller museum and displays about trains, mining, weaving, Native American sand paintings and silversmithing, as well as the stories of Route 66. During the summer, there are Indian dances daily at 7 p.m. in the outdoor pavilion just east of the Cultural Center. Stop by or call for times and special seasonal events at 505.863.4131 or 505.863.5365.

A scenic drive off I-40 east of Grants escorts you to the otherworldly volcanic flows of El Malpais National Monument. Its surface trails and Visitor Center are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. All caves and tubes remain closed. Take exit 89 off I-40 onto NM Highway 117, which travels the eastern boundary of the park. For updates, visit https://www.nps.gov/elma/ planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Take a stop from your scenic tour of the region at Sky City Casino Hotel on I-40, east of Grants. Sky City offers 24-hour gaming with more than 640 of the newest and hottest slot and video poker machines, Las Vegas-style table games, bingo, and live entertainment, with fine accommodations and dining all in one place.

Seasonal art gallery walks are among the most popular activities in Farmington. Demand is so great that they are being offered virtually through the Farmington Convention Center at farmingtonnm.org/virtual-art-walk. Check the website for updates as to when the actual walks may resume as well.

Venture along historic Route 66 where you can see the motels, diners, and neon of the era as the "Mother Road" winds its way west out of Albuquerque toward Gallup. For 4

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Four Corners Monument. Photo credit Unsplash.com.

INDEX NORTHWEST

4: Five State Regions Offer Diversity of Adventures, Sites

NORTH-CENTRAL/ NORTHEAST

4: Northwestern New Mexico: Rocks, Roads and Bling

CENTRAL

6: Northeastern New Mexico: A Raucous Past Among Varied Vistas SOUTHWEST

SOUTHEAST

6: Southwestern New Mexico: Frontiers Old and New 9: Southeastern New Mexico: Caves, Casinos and Culture

Map Color Indicates Region in Directory

PUBLISHERS

EDITOR

MATT GANTNER WILLIAM HALSEY

AUTUMN GRAY

9400 Holly Avenue NE Albuquerque, NM 87122

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT SIMMONS

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

WRITER

10: North-Central New Mexico: History, Art, Culture

AUTUMN GRAY

ASHLEY CONNER DANA BENJAMIN

The New Mexico Vacation Directory is published once a year in May by Moon Dog Publishing, Albuquerque, N.M. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this guide. The publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertisers’ messages or that of the guest writers/ columnists or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the magazine. For information and advertising rates, call (505) 350-8695 or (505) 259-7969.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.TRAVELNEWMEX.COM

14: Family-Owned Albuquerque Eateries Provide Comfort, Sense of Family 20: Iconic New Mexico Events Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries 28: Vacation 2022: Destination Alamogordo!

Cover: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, photo credit Upsplash.com

The Ride Of Your Life.

Steal away a day on the award-winning, historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Climb aboard and leave your worries behind. From the open air gondola to the breathtaking views from your private window, this is a scenic train ride unlike any other. Join us for a day trip through the unspoiled Rocky Mountain West. Vibrant and beautiful as always. Depart from Antonito, Colorado or Chama, New Mexico. The modern world can wait while you take the ride of a lifetime.

book now at cumbrestoltec.com 1-888-286-2737 NMVacationDirectory_Ride_8.25x3.indd 1

America’s most historic scenic railroad 3/22/22 1:32 PM

Northeastern New Mexico: A Raucous Past Among Varied Vistas NORTHEASTERN New Mexico's diverse terrain includes everything from the state’s highest mountain, to the valleys and clear water streams of the Pecos River. As a result, this quadrant of New Mexico has some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found.

Campsite in the Jemez Mountains. Photo credit Unsplash.com.

the railway routes of the Southwest, attracting tourists to the area from around the world at the turn of the 20th century.

Make a stop along the legendary Santa Fe Trail into the once-bustling cattle town in Las Vegas, where Teddy Roosevelt came to recruit the Rough Riders. The City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection tell the stories of Roosevelt’s charge on San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War.

A dozen miles northeast of Raton, you’ll find camping, fishing and hiking in Sugarite Canyon.

NORTHEAST

As expansive as the mesa is the area’s history, which includes outlaws, Rough Riders, a raucous cow town and the dwellings of ancient civilizations. Experience the mystery and intrigue of the historic St. James Hotel in Cimarron, a tiny community with a storied past that includes Buffalo Soldiers and train robbers.

Venture to nearby Fort Union and walk through the territorial style adobe remnants of the region’s largest 19th century military fort. Recognized for its antique shopping opportunities, Las Vegas also provides a chance to learn the New Mexico Harvey House story. Entrepreneur Fred Harvey built a series of iconic hotels and restaurants along

Nestled among the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains just six miles from the Colorado border, hospitable Raton offers fresh air, expansive scenery, a variety of recreational activities, a vibrant art scene and regular downtown events.

About 40 miles west of town, enjoy abundant wildlife, luxurious spa amenities and fine dining amid the ultimate outdoor adventure on Ted Turner’s 585,000-acre Vermejo Park Ranch. And don’t miss the National Rifle Association’s largest shooting range in the country. The NRA Whittington Center, located southwest of Raton, offers guided hunts, shooting, camping, firearms training and pistol courses. Call ahead at 800.494.4853 to create your experience.

Southwestern New Mexico: Frontiers Old and New

SOUTHWEST

SMACK DAB in the middle of Southwestern New Mexico on 18,000 acres of desert is the commercially licensed Spaceport America. Built as a hub for future space travel, the facility is situated along a path followed centuries ago by other like-minded souls seeking a new frontier. Visiting and touring Spaceport America requires prior authorization and a minimum 24hour advance reservation. To inquire about private tour availability or to buy tickets, call Final Frontier Tours at (575) 267.8888 or email: cr@finalfrontiertour.com.

The secure, futuristic facility stands in stark contrast to the many historical landmarks dating back hundreds of years throughout this quadrant of New Mexico.

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Nearby, the tiny agricultural community of Hatch proudly produces New Mexico’s famous green chile.

Name recognition of New Mexico’s beloved signature crop from Hatch is growing nationwide.

The region is also home to many pecan orchards and vineyards.

Just outside of Las Cruces, stop in for a glass of award-winning wine or

New Mexico red chile ristra.

Photo credit Unsplash.com.

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VACATION DIRECTORY

“Acequia”

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40" x 30" Oil

ROGER WILLIAMS VENTANA FINE ART 400 Canyon Road

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Santa Fe, NM 87501

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505-983-8815

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS WITH 50 EVENTS

50 events through October 2022 Details at golondrinas.org

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas is 50 years old in 2022 — celebrate with exciting events all year long.

The Southwest’s Premier Living History Museum has planned a year of events, lectures, festivals, outdoor activities and more.

Get hands-on with history and join us — visit golondrinas.org/about/50thanniversary/ to learn more about amazing events you can be a part of this year

505-471-2261  golondrinas.org  334 Los Pinos Road, Santa Fe 8

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PARTIALLY FUNDED BY THE CITY OF SANTA FE ARTS COMMISSION AND THE 1% LODGERS’ TAX, COUNTY OF SANTA FE LODGERS’ TAX, AND NEW MEXICO ARTS

Southwestern New Mexico: Frontiers Old and New

VACATION DIRECTORY

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pick up a fine vintage to take home at Rio Grande Winery, 5321 N. Highway 28. The winery produces upwards of 15 wine varietals, including Mission wine (a variety that dates back about 500 years), pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc and malbec on its 23 acres. The sweet oasis in the desert has for decades provided panoramic views of the Mesilla Valley, but recent updates and renovations have made lounging here even more comfortable. Live music often is scheduled on weekends. The winery is closed Monday and Tuesday, and operating hours vary on other days. Visit https://www. riograndewinery.com/ or call (575) 201.3744 for more information.

town Columbus. Check local listings in these areas for reenactments of life on the frontier.

Once a railroad hub, Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University and serves as a center for agriculture, science, and technology research. A short jaunt to the southwest part of Las Cruces and you’ll find yourself in the quaint village of Old Mesilla with its distinctive central plaza and shopping venues.

Fort Bayard offers a glimpse at Civil War Life. The spectacular Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila National Monument, and Gila Wilderness are an indescribable must-see. Travelers will enhance their experience by making time to drive the Trail of Mountain Spirits, a 93-mile National Scenic Byway that winds around the southwest corner of New Mexico and past ancient cliff dwellings.

Head west toward New Mexico’s bootheel and enjoy the rustic ambiance of Deming, Lordsburg, and border-

Civil war history, mining, prospectors, and the Wild West are all part of the texture of Silver City, located just three miles east of the Continental Divide. No trip to this area is complete without a visit to Catwalk National Recreation Area, five miles off the highway from the village of Glenwood.

In the Mimbres Valley, volcanic ash shaped by wind 35 million years ago created the geologic formations that comprise City of Rocks State Park, halfway between Silver City and Deming.

Southeastern New Mexico: Caves, Casinos and Culture THE WILD WEST, world war history, recreational activities, and weird phenomenon are all part of a sojourn to Southeastern New Mexico, historically a farming and oil region.

SOUTHEAST

In the other-worldly desolation of the mountainringed Tularosa Basin at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert, walk through dunes of glistening gypsum sand and experience the unforgettable beauty of White Sands National Monument. This is where the first settlers came more than 10,000 years ago and the U.S. military conducted research during World War II. The Visitor Center and gift shop are open daily at 9 a.m. The park, including the Dunes Area, hiking trails, and picnic areas open at 7 a.m. Closing times differ by season. Backcountry camping and all park ranger programs are unavailable.

The White Sands Missile Range Museum provides history of the region and the Trinity Site, where scientists tested the first atomic bomb in 1945. Due to current missile testing on

White Sands National Park. Photo credit Unsplash.com

the adjacent White Sands Missile Range, it is occasionally necessary for visitor safety to close the road into the park for periods of up to three hours. U.S. Highway 70 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is also closed during times of missile testing. Visitors on a tight schedule are encouraged to check the park closure web page at https://www.nps. gov/whsa/planyourvisit/park-closures.htm the day before arrival to confirm hours of operation. You may also call (575) 678.2250 or visit https://wsmrmuseum.com/ for updates. (continued on Page 10) www.travelnewmex.com | 2022

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Southeastern New Mexico: Caves, Casinos and Culture (continued from Page 9)

A short jaunt away is Artesia, where downtown you can experience art and culture on the street. A series of bronze statues are positioned within the downtown district on Artesia’s History in Bronze and Downtown Walking Tour. It begins at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center in the historic train depot and stops at the impressive Artesia Public Library, home to a 46-foot Peter Hurd mural.

The artwork was rescued from a downtown Houston building slated for demolition. Call (575) 746.2744 for more details.

The diverse and dramatic geology in this region features flat expanses of seemingly endless prairie connecting to the foothills of the Sacramento mountains, in which the villages of Cloudcroft and Ruidoso nestle. There are gambling venues to be explored in and around Ruidoso, including the many amenities of the Inn of The Mountain Gods, and Billy the Kid Casino and Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

To the south is Carlsbad, where Carlsbad Caverns National Park invites visitors beneath the earth’s surface to see dozens of limestone caves. Bats that sleep in them by day fill the evening sky as they head out in a cloud of black to hunt insects. Reservations must be purchased online or by calling 877.444.6777. Reservations only secure an entry time. Entrance tickets must still be purchased upon arrival at the visitor center.

In Lincoln County, see the courthouse where notorious outlaw Billy the Kid shot his way out of jail. New Mexico’s most visited historic site, Lincoln offers an immersive experience hearkening back to a violent period in the state’s history the Lincoln County Wars.

A short drive away from Lincoln is Fort Stanton, established to protect settlements along the Rio Bonito in the Apache Wars. Built in 1855 as a U.S. military fort, this is the largest of New Mexico’s state historic sites. Kit Carson, Billy the Kid and Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry all lived at Fort Stanton. Confederate forces occupied the outpost in the beginning of the American Civil War, and later it served as America's first federal tuberculosis sanatorium.

If possible, be sure to visit the UFO Museum in Roswell, open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily, with an admission fee of $2 to $5 depending on age and military status.

Nearby, take a spin to Bottomless Lakes State Park. It lies 14 miles southeast of Roswell, where sinkholes range to 90 feet deep. The park’s recreation area is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Be aware that renovations to the Lea Lake Day Use Recreation Area are occurring and expected to continue through the fall with that portion of the park closed through late May. Other lake areas are operating as usual.

North-Central New Mexico: History, Art, Culture

NORTH-CENTRAL

THE LARGEST CITY in the state, the oldest state capital in the country, world-class art communities, an authentic railroad town, and excellent accommodations can all be found in New Mexico’s NorthCentral quadrant cities of Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos, and in the towns around them.

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Majestic mountains rise abruptly from great expanses of plains, falling off to wooded river valleys. This diverse terrain provides a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, cycling and mountain biking.

Just as varied are the communities, which comprise a mix of small-town charm, bucolic serenity, bustling metropolitan life and a sleepy mountain-ringed village.

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Make some time to experience the rich history and culture of Belen, founded in 1740 and interwoven with Spanish, German and other cultures. The community boasts an original Harvey House and offers a glimpse at what this historic railroad town looked like in the early 1900s. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities.

Birders, golfers, art-lovers, historians and campers will find plenty of entertainment in Socorro. Check out the City’s website for a full list of activities available in the area, including walking tours, dirt biking and ATVs, and downtown shopping and dining.

If you like games of chance, then try your luck at Route 66 Casino on Interstate 25, west of Albuquerque. The casino floor features more than 1,300 slots, from pennies to high stakes machines, Vegas-style table games, a popular bingo hall, as well as full hotel accommodations, food, and regular entertainment options. (continued on Page 12 )

VACATION DIRECTORY

The Barber of Seville

TM

CARMEN Georges Bizet

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Gioachino Rossini

FALSTAFF Giuseppe Verdi

MUSIC Gioachino Rossini

TRISTAN UND ISOLDE

LIBRETTO Cesare Sterbini

Richard Wagner WORLD PREMIERE

8:30 pm July 2, 8, 13 8 pm August 1, 6, 10, 20, 26

M. BUTTERFLY MUSIC

Huang Ruo LIBRETTO

David Henry Hwang

#OpenAirOpera

View our Health & Safety Policies

For tickets and more information visit santafeopera.org or call 505-986-5900

The Barber of Seville Illustration

by Benedetto Cristofani

North-Central New Mexico: History, Art, Culture

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The rich history of Los Lunas can be discovered with a visit to its Visitors Center, your source for information about the array of local events held year-round. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. While you’re there, look at the rich history of Los Lunas through a photo display inside the building.

Do not miss Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town Plaza, the humble roots from which Albuquerque grew. Old Town offers an impressive selection of New Mexico cuisine and the work of local artisans in an area that surrounds historic San Felipe de Neri Church. Nearby are three museums and the City's BioPark. The plaza offers a therapeutic ambiance if you just want to sit and watch the world go by.

Sixty miles north of Albuquerque on I-25, historic Santa Fe has world-class art galleries, museums, and restaurants, and is the seat of state government. Explore the fascinating history of the Palace of the Governors on historic Santa Fe Plaza amid the city’s signature Pueblo Revival architecture.

Savor local cuisine at any number of restaurants, or grab a bite from a food cart's tasty hand-held faire on the plaza.

Step back in time just south of town at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Southwest’s premier living history museum, whose name means The Ranch of the Swallows, is dedicated to the history, heritage, and culture of 18th- and 19th-century New Mexico.

Located at 334 Los Pinos Road, Santa Fe, this historic site was an important paraje, or stopping place, along the famous Camino Real, the Royal Road from Mexico City to Santa Fe. As of deadline for this publication, all guided tours were on hold until June due to a staffing shortage, and buildings were closed. However, self-guided tours of the grounds and building exteriors are available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, with a reservation. Visitors get to wander in fresh air amid 34 original colonial buildings set on 200 historic acres of a rural farming valley enjoyed by sheep, goats, and burros. Call the tour office at 505.471.2261, ext. 101, for more information.

Many highly anticipated annual events at El Rancho de las Golondrinas remain scheduled for the year. These include the 28th annual Santa Fe Wine Festival, set for July 2 and 3; the 14th annual Santa Fe Herb and Lavender Festival, set for June 18 and 19; the 13th annual Viva Mexico Fiesta, set for July 16 and 17; and the Renaissance Faire, set for September 17 and 18. For a complete list of special events and updates on ranch tours, visit https://golondrinas.org/.

North of Santa Fe in the town of Española, take a spin by the Santa Claran Hotel and Casino; the Puye Cliff Dwellings, which give visitors an immersive experience into the lives 12

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Sandia Peak Tramway. Photo credit Unsplash.com.

of the ancient; and the Black Mesa Golf Course, a great challenge to duffers.

Known as a world class ski area for decades, Taos Ski Valley has gained renewed attention since a $300 million redevelopment gave it a facelift that includes a hotel, a spacious children’s center and other added amenities that can be enjoyed year-round. Skiers and non-skiers alike benefit from Taos' clean air and magnificent views, rich spiritual traditions, creative inspiration, abundant outdoor recreation and shopping. A day in Taos will change your outlook and perhaps even your style.

For additional winter sports options, check out Angel Fire Resort, which opened in 1966 as a small ski destination.

Now it is a four-season resort offering a memorable Rocky Mountain experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Located 8,600 feet above sea level, the resort has views of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.

Eight miles south of the Colorado border, the small town of Chama boasts elk habitats, clean rivers, hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking and camping, as well as a must-see night view of the Milky Way. Serious hikers can pick up the Continental Divide Trail not far from town. Chama’s train depot is the western terminus of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

The train is scheduled to operate a regular season June 11-October 23. Visit https://cumbrestoltec.com/ for tickets and updates. It’s a good idea to book in advance.

Chama also hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks display, and in the fall, the area around Chama is one of the best places in the state to see brilliant foliage.

Editor’s Note: Due to the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and its impact on entertainment venues, restaurants, parks, and other amenities, the New Mexico Vacation Directory cannot guarantee that all locations and activities mentioned in this article will be open and available as reported here.

We assure you that we have done due diligence to ensure that all was accurate at the time of publication.

VACATION DIRECTORY

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Family- Owned Albuquerque Eateries Provide Comfort, Sense of Family THERE is a dish towel with an image of a person wrapped inside a burrito that reads, “I want a burrito to tuck me gently into its warm beans and say, “Rest here my child, be at peace now.” Who can’t relate to that? The towel is wildly popular across the U.S. because it so perfectly sums up the universal feelings around comfort foods. Not only do they taste great, but they also provide a heaping sense of security and warmth, and in some cases, a sprinkling of nostalgia – not to mention fat, calories, carbs and salt.

The highest-rated comfort foods in the U.S. are pizza, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, burgers, pasta, Mexican food, ice cream, cookies, and chocolate, with pizza ranking first in most states, according to a Treadmill Reviews study.

Tied in second place are mac ‘n’ cheese among women and burgers among men.

During the pandemic, consumption of these sorts of delectables surged as people ate at home more and sought ways to de-stress, putting health concerns aside for another day. Those who study social trends believe comfort foods are here to stay, at least for a while. Now that it’s safer for humans to return to the wilds of society, a broad spectrum of comfort foods from around the world awaits at several Albuquerque area eateries that have been over-satisfying locals for decades.

Known for their family atmosphere, familiar staff, and often made-to-order, from scratch menu items, at least four restaurants tick all the boxes for comfort food and comforting

Grilled green chile pastrami from Jimmy's Café. Photo credit Jimmy's Café.

folk: Jimmy’s Café, Vic’s Daily Café, Milly’s, and O’Hare’s Grille & Pub. Jimmy’s Café Named after the owner’s son, Jimmy’s has been taking care of Albuquerque residents with burgers, New Mexico favorites, and skillet dishes at 7007 Jefferson St. NE since 2003. But die-hard followers recall the mall days when owners Steve Reynolds and wife Debbi started in 1985, with pizza and Philly cheese steaks out of their Pizza Co. and Philly Express eateries at Winrock Mall.

Jimmy’s, a 150-seat restaurant with a patio, is a more structured spinoff from the Food Court era, with greater menu variety and fewer shoppers and sulking teens.

The restaurant also no longer offers pizza, but the Philly cheesesteaks remain. One of the most popular items is the cream of green chile chicken soup, made with fresh ingredients in house by the gallons daily. “It just flies,” Steve Reynolds said.

However, in a state known for comfort foods, Reynolds believes it’s Jimmy’s welcoming atmosphere that hooks people to return again and again.

Fish tacos from O'Hare's Grille and Pub. Photo credit O'Hare's Grille and Pub.

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“Our crew is a big part of it, the service. I have crew members that have been with me since the beginning – 30 years.

Diners get to know my servers, and they feel like they’re part (continued on next page)

Family-Owned Albuquerque Eateries Provide Comfort, Sense of Family (continued from previous page) of the family. They walk in, and my servers know what they want,” Reynolds said. “It’s like that show Cheers.”

Vic’s Daily Café Consistency and staying power are the key ingredients to the success of Victor Pandazis, owner of family-owned and -operated Vic’s Daily Café at 3600 Osuna Road NE. Pandazis opened the café with his father in 1998, building Vic’s and its famous chile on a legacy of local restaurants that his father owned throughout the 1970s and 80s.

“I still have some of his old customers,” Pandazis said, describing how a family of 15 that recently dined with him represented five generations of patrons to the family businesses.

People go to Vic’s for the traditional breakfasts, daily blue plates, New Mexico standards, and the chicken fried steak, which stands all on its own.

“Our chicken fried steak is our biggest seller, and every one of them is handmade to order. The flour and the meat don’t come together until that ticket hits the kitchen. The easy thing would be to pre-bread a whole bunch of them, but it would change the quality, and customers would notice,” Pandazis said.

Other menu standouts include the “Navajo-style” huevos rancheros, made with fry bread instead of tortillas, and the

Spinach salad from Vic's Daily Café. Photo credit Vic's Daily Café.

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VACATION DIRECTORY

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museum of indian arts and culture

Here, Now and Always

Reopening July 2, 2022 On Museum Hill in Santa Fe 505-476-1269 · indianartsandculture.org

new mexico museum of art

Western Eyes: 20th-Century Art Here and Now Through January 8, 2023 On the Santa Fe Plaza 505-476-5063 · nmartmuseum.org

national hispanic cultural center coronado historic site

Bernalillo, nm · 505-867-5351 nmhistoricsites.org/coronado 16

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Fronteras del Futuro: Art in New Mexico and Beyond

Through January 8, 2023 Albuquerque, nm · (505) 246-2261 · nhccnm.org

new mexico museum of natural history & science Albuquerque, nm · 505-841-2800 · nmnaturalhistory.org

museum of international folk art

Dressing with Purpose: Belonging and Resistance in Scandanavia

Through February 19, 2023 On Museum Hill in Santa Fe 505-476-1200 · internationalfolkart.org

jemez historic site

Jemez Springs, nm · 575-829-3530 nmhistoricsites.org/jemez

new mexico history museum

Curative Powers: New Mexico’s Hot Springs

Through September 4, 2022 On the Santa Fe Plaza 505-476-5200 · nmhistorymuseum.org

newmexicoculture.org

clockwise from lower left: T. C. Cannon, Washington Landscape with Peace Medal Indian (detail), 1976. nmmoa 2001.13.1. © Joyce Cannon Yi, Executor, T. C. Cannon Estate. Photo by Blair Clark. · Coronado Historic Site. Photo courtesy dca/nmhs · Acoma Pueblo or Laguna Pueblo, Jar, ca. 1910. miac 12024/12.

Photo by Addison Doty. · Ehren Kee Natay, Listening, 2018 · nhcc Art Museum Permanent Collection · Photo by Addison Doty · “Spike” the Pentaceratops, sculpture by Dave Thomas. Photo courtesy nmmnh&s · Children swimming in the pool at the Carrie Tingley Hospital, ca. 1940. Palace of the Governors Photo Archives, nmhm 059324. · Jemez Historic Site. Photo courtesy dca/nmhs · Hand-painted souvenir photograph of models dressed as brides from Hardanger and Voss, by Ole Theresius Ohm, ca. 1900. moifa, gift of Kraftmuseet—Norsk vasskraft- og industristadmuseum. Photo by Addison Doty.

Family-Owned Albuquerque Eateries Provide Comfort, Sense of Family (continued from Page 15) Brick House green chile and cheese hamburger, composed of two four-ounce beef patties (always certified Angus), green chile and double cheese, stacked on a brioche roll.

Pandazis prides himself on staying true to what the cafe has been for 23 years, including a staff that’s like family and a menu that’s constant.

and you’re sure to feel its Irish motto of céad míle fáilte, meaning “a hundred thousand welcomes.” O’Hare’s has been owned by the husband-and-wife team of Jason and Heather Armstrong since 2017. They were not reachable for comment.

Be aware that O’Hare’s is closed on Mondays.

“I use the analogy of a metronome.

The beat doesn’t change. And that’s how our food should be. It doesn’t vary or waver,” he said. “Everybody that walks in our front door drove by a lot of restaurants to come to us.

We have to be better to make people want to do that. We’re a destination.”

Milly’s Of the four restaurants featured here, family-style Milly’s has been around the longest, since 1983.

In its nearly 40 years, Milly’s has expanded from its original location at 2100 Candelaria NE to a second site at 7308 Jefferson St. NE. Today, it is embarking on a third spot, yet to be announced, according to its website.

Milly’s specializes in a diverse menu of American, Greek, and New Mexican food, served in an atmosphere that’s described as a home away from home.

Owner and founder George Daskalos, who could not be reached for comment, named the restaurant after his mother.

O’Hare’s Grille & Pub O’Hare’s Grille & Pub is the outlier of the group – both in location and fare.

It is in Rio Rancho at 4100 Southern Blvd. SE, just west of Albuquerque city limits. As the name suggests, O’Hare’s is an Irish pub, with offerings such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Dublin pot roast, as well as an Irish special on the 17th of every month. However, visitors will see menu items inspired by Italian, Asian, Cajun, and of course, New Mexican, cuisine. Desserts are made daily from scratch.

info@chamavillage.com VisitChama.com

Visit this local gem, which has served as a neighborhood pub since 1996, www.travelnewmex.com | 2022

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Iconic New Mexico Events Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries THERE are some New Mexico events so iconic that they have over the decades become synonymous with the state. They are also the annual makings of family memories, eye-popping photos, and truly unique awe-inspiring experiences, whether your passion is art, science, culture, food, animals, or live entertainment. Interested in that kind of adventure? Then look no further than these quintessential New Mexico happenings: the Santa Fe Indian Market; the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; the New Mexico State Fair; and the Traditional Spanish Market. All are a must-go for both locals and tourists at least once. Better yet, annually. But if there is any year to attend, 2022 may just be it. Read on, and you’ll see why.

Santa Fe Indian Market Celebrates 100 Years The Santa Fe Indian Market, which attracts about 150,000 people from around the world, has been an annual hallmark of the Santa Fe Plaza for nearly as long as New Mexico has been a state. This August, the market celebrates its 100th anniversary. So, attendees can expect an experience that surpasses the usual.

What began humbly as a weekend art market in 1922 has evolved to be North America’s largest and most important juried Indigenous art market. Originally focused on the Indigenous art of the Southwest, the event has expanded its reach over the years to include Indigenous artists from all regions of the United States and Canada. It showcases jewelry, pottery, paintings, drawings, graphics, photography, wooden Pueblo figurative carvings, sculpture, textiles, beadwork, and basketry, as well as Native food, music, dance, and performing arts.

To celebrate, the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), the non-profit that produces the event, is planning a centennial affair for the market, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

August 20-21.

“2022 will be like none other for Indigenous art collectors and visitors to Santa Fe. The City of Santa Fe is embracing our centennial and many of the leading galleries, and institutions are producing Indigenous-themed content and producing shows by top Indigenous artists throughout the year,” said SWAIA’s executive director Kim Peone (Colville Confederated Tribes/ Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). “We are planning a full Indian Market with new events at every corner of Santa Fe.” For example, the New Mexico History Museum and SWAIA are opening an exhibition August 7 that commemorates the market’s 100 years. The exhibition will display more than 200 examples of works by Indian Market artists from private and public collections, historic and contemporary photographs, and interviews with artists and collectors.

“It will trace the 100-year history of this important market celebrating the artists, collectors and volunteers that make it 20

www.travelnewmex.com | 2022

Photo credit Santa Fe Indian Market.

possible,” Peone said. “This exhibition provides a sampling of the depth of this vast marketplace and hopes to encourage visitors to experience the market for themselves.”

In conjunction with the centennial market, SWAIA will also present its first-ever Art Indigenous. The contemporary art show, scheduled for August 18-21, will feature sculpture, painting, photography, installation, and performance from worldwide galleries exhibiting Indigenous artists from the United States and Canada. The four-day art show will be held at Santa Fe’s El Museo Cultural, located in the Railyard Arts District.

Returning this year is SWAIA’s Indigenous Fashion Show, which has become one of the most attended and celebrated events at Indian Market. It is scheduled for 3-4 p.m. August 21.

For more detailed information and a full schedule of events, visit https://swaia.org/schedule-of-events/. (continued on next page)

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Traditional Spanish Market Observes 70 Years For rapid immersion into the regional art and culture of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado, the Traditional Spanish Market in Santa Fe should top your list. It is the largest and oldest Hispanic juried art show sale of its kind, dating back to 1926. Visitors to the event, scheduled July 30-31 at the Santa Fe Plaza, will not only have a rare opportunity to meet the artists and see extraordinary pieces but also learn about the significant role that faith and religion plays in dayto-day life through the diverse works on display.

“What’s so unique about us is the art forms are a melding of some of the European influence - Spanish and Moorish and the Indigenous communities nearby,” said market director Yvonne Gillespie.

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Handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces available for purchase will include bultos (three-dimensional images of a saints), retablos (devotional paintings), straw applique work, and wood carvings, many reflecting stations of the cross or Catholic saints. Jewelry, too, such as fine silver filigree work, will be on hand.

About 200 artists, including 30-40 youth artists, are expected to participate.

“Spanish Market is an opportunity for people to come and see artists who have their pieces in private and public collections throughout the world, and you can just walk up and talk to these artists at their booths,” Gillespie said. “It’s fascinating because you will hear why a particular saint is special to them.” (continued on Page 25)

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS I Traditional Arts July 10-16 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS II Old Favorites July 17-23 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS III Interactive Arts July 24-29

MASTERS WEEK September 18-24 FALL WRITING FESTIVAL October 8-14 FALL WRITING FESTIVAL II October 16-23

DAY PASSES | TOURS | TRAIL RIDES | HIKING | MUSEUMS www.GHOSTRANCH.org

505.685.1000 www.travelnewmex.com | 2022

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STAY • EAT • PLAY • EXPLORE • LEARN

YOUR PASS TO

Adventure .

Do something different. Hike a volcano or alongside a historic coal camp. Dance with a stranger. Ride in a hot air balloon.

Immerse yourself in New Mexican culture.

Eat all the green chile. Explore Raton!

ExploreRaton.com

| ExploreRatonNM

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VACATION DIRECTORY

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Gillespie said the Traditional Spanish Market will observe its 70th year in operation this summer. Though the event started in the 20s, it did not occur for several years around World War II. The 2022 market kicks off Friday, July 29, with a ticketed preview show at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Attendees will be able to get an early-bird look at “best of show” pieces that received juried awards in 18 art categories.

All of these and more will then be available for purchase when the market officially begins that Saturday.

Sunday morning rings in the annual market mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. While mass is not open to the public, market attendees often gather just outside the cathedral awaiting the 9 a.m. artist procession from the cathedral to the market. Each artist carries a piece of their art to the Santa Fe Plaza bandstand for a blessing from the archbishop before the market kicks into full gear on the final day.

“That’s a very beloved tradition for our market,” Gillespie said.

In addition to artist sales booths, there will be entertainment from regional Hispanic bands and dance groups, art

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demonstrations, and food booths that complement this singular heritage event.

For more information, visit https://www.spanishcolonial.org/.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Turns 50 The place to be October 1-9 is Balloon Fiesta Park, where the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be celebrating its 50th year. More than 600 balloons flown by pilots worldwide are anticipated to grace the turquoise blue skies for about 800,000-plus spectators, also from around the globe.

The Balloon Fiesta is the premier international ballooning event made uniquely possible by the typically perfect October climate and a phenomenon called the "Albuquerque box." Caused by a particular combination of weather patterns interacting with the area geography, the box allows balloonists to control their adventure – an ideal scenario for spectators and pilots who have the potential ability, then, to take off and land from the same location.

The 360-acre park includes 100 acres of grass and booths that will be filled with balloons and concessions. During last year’s (continued on page 27)

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(575) 835-8927 www.socorronm.org 30th Annual 4th of July Celebration City of Socorro Rodeo & Sports Complex, Socorro NM Monday July 4, 2022 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm Socorro County Fair Socorro County Fairgrounds, Socorro NM Wednesday August 31, 2022 - Sunday September 4, 2022 All Day

San Lorenzo Canyon Located 40 miles Northwest of Socorro, NM San Lorenzo is great for hiking, biking and star gazing any time of the year.

49ers Celebration New Mexico Tech, Socorro NM Thursday October 13, 2022 Sunday October 16, 2022 All Day

“M” Mountain Located in Socorro, NM Miner’s mountain or “M” Mountain is a major landmark for Socorro.

Once a year in the fall, locals will hike to the top of the mountain to repaint the “M”.

Water Canyon Located 21 miles West of Socorro, NM Water Canyon is great for camping and has beautiful scenery.

Gordy’s Hill Located North of Socorro, NM (Northeast of Escondida) Gordy’s Hill is well known for riding the hills in side by sides or UTV’s. This area is great for exploring with your family or friends!

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Box Canyon “The Box” Located 8.5 miles Southwest of Socorro, NM (off Hwy 60 West) Many tech students, locals and people from around the world are drawn to this location for its unique rock features for rock climbing.

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event, Balloon Fiesta launched more than 540 hot air and gasfilled balloons, hosted pilots representing seven countries, and provided more than 70 food and merchandise vendors for attendees. It’s been said that the breakfast burrito, the perfect grab-and-go meal for balloon pilots, gained its prominence at Balloon Fiesta.

All of this grandeur came from humble beginnings. The fiesta started in 1972, with 13 balloons decorating the Coronado Mall parking lot. They’re appearance was part of a local radio station promotion. The event grew organically over the years from there.

In recognition of that first gathering, 13 hot air balloons and family members of those original 13 balloon pilots will once again be gathered outside Coronado Mall this September 30, in advance of the official Fiesta. Spectators are welcome to join at no charge.

“It will be a nice way to celebrate how far we’ve come,” said Tom Garrity, spokesperson for Balloon Fiesta.

Also, part of the event each year is Albuquerque Aloft, an educational outreach program in which pilots tether or launch their hot air balloons from selected school grounds in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho on the Friday morning before Balloon Fiesta.

About 120 balloons participate, pilots talk about the science behind ballooning, and anyone can show up on the campuses to observe a no cost.

“It’s the unofficial start of the event and a great way for people to experience Balloon Fiesta without going out to the Balloon Fiesta,” Garrity said. “In addition to the school balloons, usually 50 launch that morning from Balloon Fiesta Park as well, so if people want to see them from park, that is the best free time to do that.”

Detailed information about Albuquerque Aloft and this year’s Balloon Fiesta Powered by Exxon Mobil will be available at Ballonfiesta.com.

New Mexico State Fair Selected as Feature Fair for 2022 While the Balloon Fiesta is a kaleidoscopic event of international proportions, the New Mexico State Fair, set for September 8-18, is solely focused on the unique spectrum of sights, smells, tastes, and sounds that define the state.

“It’s sensory overload,” said State Fair general manager Dan Mourning. “Every day, the fair reinvents itself” with something new to offer fair goers.

Photo credit Marble Street Studio.

Photo credit New Mexico State Fair.

The New Mexico State Fair, now in its 84th year, is different from other fairs across the country in myriad ways. Every day is themed, for one. There’s Science & Tech Day, Native American Day, and Military and Veterans Appreciation Day, to name a few. The fair also immerses attendees in the state’s mix of cultures, with the Indian Villages, the African American Pavilion, and Villa Hispana. While every fair is hailed for having creative food assortments, all others would be hard pressed to come up with the offerings native to New Mexico, such as fresh Hatch green chile, fluffy warm tortillas made from recipes passed down through hundreds of years, and Native fry bread.

Entertainment showcases New Mexico talent in addition to concerts from bands outside the state. Also, the alwaysimpressive Junior Livestock Shows and Sale will be back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

In addition to the half million people expected to take it all in at EXPO New Mexico, a special contingent of people will be in attendance to observe just what makes this fair so exceptional.

The Western Fairs Association, which serves as an industry trade association, chose the New Mexico State Fair to be the site of its 2022 Feature Fair Tour. The WFA is composed of more than 120 fairs and fair-related businesses throughout the western United States and Canada. The Feature Fair Tour occurs annually at a fair that is deemed to be innovative and exceptional. It allows WFA members to tour a fair that should be emulated.

“All eyes will be on us. Every fair will be coming to see what we do,” Mourning said.

Fair attendees will be greeted by new infrastructure that includes new lighting, landscaping, revitalized buildings, and an updated food court.

A new app, to be available through the Apple store on smartphones, will serve as a one-stop shop for all information fairgoers will need, including a detailed event schedule, maps, lists of food vendors and where to find them, and much more.

The NM State Fair has been consistently ranked among the top five in the nation based upon affordability, programming, and weather.

“Is there a better season in NM than the fall?” Mourning said.

“What better event to go to at that time of year than the New Mexico State Fair that represents everything that makes our great state truly the Land of Enchantment. There’s something for everybody.”

For more information, visit https://statefair.exponm.com/. www.travelnewmex.com | 2022

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Vacation 2022: Destination Alamogordo!

WHETHER you are looking for an outdoor adventure, historical journey, or just to enjoy a local brew while looking toward the cosmos, consider immersing yourself in the art, culture, history, surreal natural beauty, and simple wholesome charm of Alamogordo. Founded in 1898 as a railroad town in southern New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, Alamogordo is situated in the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains, with Holloman Air Force Base just to the west. The town’s unusual name translates to “fat cottonwood” – ‘alamo’ meaning cottonwood and ‘gordo’ meaning fat.

Ready for some outdoor fun? Grab a picnic basket, lots of water, and a sled, and head out to White Sands National Park with its spectacular glistening white gypsum dunes just 15 miles away.

Photo credit the City of Alamogordo.

as well as the railroad, La Luz pottery, and ranching. Don’t miss the interactive NM Museum of Space History and New Horizons giant screen dome theater and planetarium. Explore the rocket park, pose as an astronaut on the moon, and try to land a shuttle. This Smithsonian affiliate museum educates and entertains adults and children alike.

Photo credit the City of Alamogordo.

Explore and sled the dunes, hike the trails, visit the museum, and then take a ranger-guided sunset stroll. Strolls are offered daily. Full moon hikes are offered April to December, and guided tours of Lake Lucero are available from November to March.

Check the park website, https://www.nps.gov, for more details.

The region is ideal for growing pistachios, pecans, and grapes.

You can sample uniquely flavored nuts, enjoy sweet treats, sip some wine, and take a guided tour of local nut farms. Don’t forget to take a selfie in front of the World’s Largest Pistachio!

Wrap up your day by enjoying a magical sunset, delicious meal, and live music at one of the local breweries, taprooms, or wineries.

Schedule your trip to enjoy special events. Take in a world-class show at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts or a tailgate

Enjoy more outdoor fun at the historic Alameda Park Zoo, hiking or camping at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, and ancient rock carvings at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.

For a little indoor culture, visit the Tularosa Basin Museum of History housed in a historic 1938 Pueblo Revival style building.

Visitors can view artifacts from the days of early man, to Alamogordo's role in the Atomic and Space Ages. Delve into the history of the Native Americans who lived in the area, Photo credit the City of Alamogordo.

concert throughout the summer. On the second Saturday of each month, Roadrunner Emporium hosts a walking ghost tour in Alamogordo’s historic district. Family-friendly nights with live music, food and craft vendors happen on the fourth Friday of each month all summer long at the Alameda Park Zoo, and don’t miss the annual White Sands Balloon & Music Festival on September 16-18.

Photo credit the City of Alamogordo.

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Visit AlamogordoNMTrue.com, or call 1.800.826.0294 for more information.

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Larger than life.

AlamogordoNMTrue.com www.travelnewmex.com | 2022

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THE FAIR’S ON! Every September New Mexico gets together to celebrate all that makes our state great. Taste the flavors, feel the culture and celebrate the spirit of New Mexico at the New Mexico State Fair.

September 8th - 18th, 2022 | exponm.com 30

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